Ujung Kulon National Park
A World Heritage rainforest at Java's western tip and the last refuge of the Javan rhino, where you can stay on Peucang Island and canoe through mangrove channels.
Ujung Kulon National Park lies at the far western tip of Java in Pandeglang Regency, Banten Province, Indonesia, and covers the Ujung Kulon peninsula, Panaitan Island and surrounding islets. Inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1991, it is the last remaining habitat of the Javan rhino (about 80 animals) and also protects Javan lowland rainforest, mangroves and coral reefs. The climate is hot and humid; the Apr–Sep dry season has calmer seas and is best for boat trips to the islands, while in the Nov–Mar rainy season seas are rough and some boats stop running. Peucang Island is the center of most visits: stay and snorkel there, watch banteng and peafowl at the Cidaon grazing ground across the channel, and hike to Karang Copong for sunset. From Handeuleum Island in the northeast, canoe up the Cigenter River; fit hikers can land at Cibom and walk to the Tanjung Layar lighthouse at Java's westernmost point, while surfers take surf charters to Panaitan Island. Getting there: drive about 5–6 hours from Jakarta to Sumur or Tamanjaya, then charter a boat for 2–3 hours into the park; most visitors book 2-day/1-night or 3-day/2-night packages including boat, meals, lodging, entry fees and a guide. Note: accommodation and food in the park are basic, with no shops and no reliable phone signal; entry requires a fee and a licensed guide; Javan rhinos are extremely hard to spot, so don't make that the goal of your trip; bring insect repellent, sunscreen and cash.
Top sights
- Peucang Island – The most popular island in Ujung Kulon, where white sand, clear water and primeval rainforest meet. It is the park's main lodging and snork…
- Cigenter River Canoeing – Paddle upstream by canoe from the opposite bank of Handeuleum Island through mangroves and rainforest waterways. It is a classic experience…
- Cidaon Grazing Ground – A seaside grassland across from Peucang Island. From the observation tower at dawn and dusk, you can watch banteng, peafowl and deer grazin…
- Karang Copong – Sea-carved reef rocks with a tunnel at the northern tip of Peucang Island, reached by a rainforest trail. It's a classic sunset spot on the…
- Handeuleum Island – A small island among the mangroves on the northeast shore of the peninsula, with a ranger station and basic lodging. It's the departure poi…
- Tanjung Layar Lighthouse – The westernmost cape of Java, where the remains of a Dutch colonial-era lighthouse face a giant sail-shaped rock across the water.
- Panaitan Island – The largest island in the national park, famous for the world-class reef break One Palm Point, and well suited to surf-charter trips with o…
- Umang Island – A holiday island off the Sumur coast with a resort. It's a common stop for rest and snorkeling before or after a trip to Ujung Kulon.
- Badul Island – A small sandbar island near Sumur with rich shallow coral reefs. It's a popular snorkeling stop on the way to Peucang Island.
- Tanjung Lesung – A seaside resort on the way to Ujung Kulon, with calm bays and sandy beaches, making it a good place to stop for a night.
Itineraries
- Ujung Kulon Rainforest & Peucang Island 3-Day Adventure – Depart from Jakarta to stay on Peucang Island, canoe through mangroves, and spot wildlife on savannahs and pristine rai…